Caving Adventure in Malaysian Borneo

08

September, 2017

Apart from going for a Wildlife and jungle trekking adventure in Malaysian Borneo, did you know that you can spend your Borneo trip by going for caving adventure? Malaysian Borneo offers some unique characteristics and stories of the caves for you to discover. Caving adventures are rated easy, intermediate, and a day tour expeditions. We can assure you that you won’t get bored to visit one of the caves in your Borneo trip!

Here’s a list of caves that you should be going for an adventure in Malaysian Borneo:

1) Fairy Cave, Bau, Sarawak Borneo

Fairy Cave took its name from the stalagmite structure that can be seen from the entrance. Fairy Cave was once a gold mining settlement of Bau, which was located about 40 km from Kuching, Sarawak.

Before reaching the entrance, get ready to exercise your feet as you will need to walk up a series of flight of stairs (about 4-storey high concrete staircase). When you go inside, you will be amazed to see the humongous size of the caves and the green moss inside it, due to the light entering the cave.

Fret not, when you enter the cave, you can manage without using a torch because it is slightly dark inside and you will be reaching into one place with a huge opening that allows the light to flood in. Unusual stalactites and stalagmites were formed over thousands of years ago.

Some said the entrance of the cave resembles like a Chinese deity, which made many Buddhist and Taoist coming there to burn joss sticks and pray for their future fortune and destiny before returning to the city. Fortunately, there is no admission to enter the cave and it is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

4-storey high staircase to reach the entrance of the cave

Light enter the cave and displays the green moss inside the cave

2) Wind Cave, Bau, Sarawak Borneo

Entrance of the Wind Cave

Easy walkway to reach the entrance

Wind Cave is named from the cooling breeze that blows continuously throughout the cave. It is located about 48 km away from Kuching City, and only about 25 minutes drive. Wind cave is considered as an easy access to reach from Kuching and it is also a popular destination for day trips, as well as picnic excursions.

Wind Cave is not much physically demanding compared to Fairy Cave because you can just walk along at the wooden walkways to access through the Wind Caves. You can see there are many swiftlets and bats inside the Wind Cave and also you can catch a glimpse of a subterranean stream, where you can relax and picnic beside it.

Note: Make sure to bring a torch as you will be experiencing caving into pitch black tunnels (to avoid bats disturbance).

Wind Cave is part of the Nature Reserve in Sarawak Borneo. Thus, there is a nominal fee that visitors need to pay prior to entering the cave and it is open daily from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

River beside the cave

3) Deer Cave, Mulu, Sarawak Borneo

Deer Cave

Deer Cave is the largest and spectacular caves found in Borneo Island. It is home to millions of bats from various species. To reach the Deer Cave, you will need to go through a 3 km plank-walk which you can see the beauty of the Sarawak Borneo rainforest, jungle streams, and an ancient Penan tribe’s burial cave. The Deer Cave was named by the local (Penan tribe) because of few deer usually spotted in the cave for shelter. Using a torch is recommended to see the cave, examine the guano-covered-path and maybe to spot some interesting insects while walking the path. Going through the path, you will reach “Garden of Eden” ;- richer green vegetation grows there due to a hole in the cave roof that allows the light to enter.

Formation of Abraham Lincoln face near cave entrance

Apart from that, an interesting formation near the cave entrance which resembles the face of Abraham Lincoln.

Don’t miss out to visit Deer cave around 5-7pm and experience the bat exodus outside the cave.

Bats Exodus around 5-7pm outside the cave

4) Clearwater Cave, Mulu, Sarawak Borneo

Clearwater cave inside

Using Longboat to reach the cave

Cruising on a longboat to reach the Clearwater Cave is always a good kick start of your Borneo Caving Adventure trip. The Clearwater Cave is accessed by a boardwalk which is suspended from the limestone cliff. It is also home to some of the unique species of plant which can only be found in Mulu. After going through inside the cave, you can see there is actually a clear river flowing through the cave and it will make you want to jump in for a swim. If time permitted, you can have a nice lunch picnic break by the swimming area which is shaded by huge rainforest trees outside the cave!

Clearwater river outside the cave

Clearwater cave showing the green moss

5) Gomantong Cave, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Sabah Borneo

Gomantong cave inside

The light coming shines from the hole in the cave

Unfortunately, in Sabah Borneo, there is only one cave that is known to many, which is the Gomantong Cave. It is the largest limestone outcrop in Kinabatangan area and it is a protected area under the Sabah Forestry Department. There are two primary chamber parts of the cave system, which are Simud Hitam (Black Cave) and Simud Putih (White Cave). In the White Cave is where there are more valuable bird nests found, while the Black Cave is the only small cave that can only cover about a 5-minute walk from the registration center. Don’t worry, there is a well-maintained boardwalk for visitors to have an easy access exploring Gomantong Caves. Despite it’s home to millions of bats, there are also a number of cockroaches living inside the cave’s guano deposits which made it somehow like in a scene from the movie of The Mummy!

After reading this, are you up for the challenge to go for Caving Adventures in Malaysian Borneo? Check out our Borneo Caving Adventures Tour or you can just contact us for a once in a lifetime Caving Adventure in Malaysian Borneo!

Want to know how to backpacking in Sabah Borneo in a budget? Check out our blog post entry, hope it can help you to give some ideas for your Borneo travel itinerary.

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Go Vintage With Biru-Biru Cafe!

06

September, 2017

The stunning vintage setup of Biru-Biru Cafe

If you’re looking for a good place to have your dinner or just to chill with a couple of cold beers in Kota Kinabalu City, I highly suggest that you check out the Biru-Biru Cafe in Jalan Dewan, Gaya Street.

The Biru-Biru cafe is really something and their vintage style setup is really different from any other cafes that you will find here in Kota Kinabalu. Not only the interiors will amaze you but the foods that they serve there is also super amazing.

The super cool Vintage Setup!

The walls of the Cafe is well decorated with Vintage Posters and even the tables and chairs has a very vintage touch to it

This cafe might look different and to some people it may look too simple for their taste but let me tell you a little history about this cafe and why it is out of the ordinary. This cafe has a history in Kota Kinabalu as this building has been there since the second World War. Back in 1945, the building is called ‘Biru-Biru” and today it is called Biru-Biru Cafe. During the second World War, on the very same spot where the Biru-Biru Cafe stands is a campsite for the Alliance. This building is actually used for printing press back in the days and later adapted to other functions. The name of Biru-Biru cafe is also inspired by a famous local song called “Sayang Kinabalu’ which uses the Line ‘Biru-Biru’.

The Entertaining Local and International performers

Biru-Biru Cafe also holds a monthly open mic session where local performers can show their talents and sing their hearts out to the guests. Not only locals but also international performers will get the chance to perform for the good people of Kota Kinabalu and tourists. Biru-Biru Cafe sure is a place to chill and enjoy some music with friends and family.

Biru-Biru Cafe serves a wide variety of food for you to try, and not only food, but they also serve a good selection of cocktails, and beers, so pick your poison. Top it up with local ‘Pusas’ a local name for tidbits to be eaten while drinking alcoholic beverages. Usually deep fried fish called ‘Basung’, a famous dish amongst the locals here and at Biru Biru Cafe. Deep fried and add a squeeze of lemons to add the flavours to it. You can eat the whole fish without the worry to debone it because it is fried to perfection and the bones will be crispy for safe consumption.

The Fried Basung with Slices of Lemons, a match made in heaven. Top it up with a couple of cold beers, Terbaik! (Local term meaning, “The Best!”)

Have a look at the menu, and you will find that they have a lot of variety of infused local flavours and recipes. An ingredient that stands out is ‘Tuhau’ or in English stands for Wild Ginger– fascinatingly featured in some of their dishes.Tuhau is a type of Wild Ginger, diced and mixed with other ingredients and left to ferment. It has a rather distinctive smell and flavor and truth be told, it takes some getting used to! Biru Biru stays true to its local specialty and is featured in their battered fish or spicy beef taco, topped with tomato, cheddar and tuhau salsa. If you are into Pasta, Biru-Biru Cafe has their own signature dish where Italian meets Sabahan in their Tomato Tuhau Pasta with chicken – easily one of their bestsellers. An all-time favourite is their Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken as well as the Corned Beef Ikan Masin Fried Rice (Ikan Masin is salted fish – another must-have in local kitchens). Also noteworthy is the Grilled Chicken and Pumpkin Sandwich, served with a side of fries and the Coconut Pasta with Grilled Prawns.

One of their signature drink is also a must-try, it’s a local infused cocktail called the Fee-Lihing-Good which is a local rice wine infused cocktail and the taste is just like the name.

Next time if you’re looking for a good place to have your dinner, remember that Biru-Biru Cafe is just around the corner (well, more like at the back of Kota Kinabalu City area). Grab a bunch of friends and family together with you and enjoy!

Or maybe… you are looking for a taste of traditional food in Sabah, then head out to D’Place Kinabalu to taste the local traditional food in Sabah Borneo. Read our blog entry on our experience having local traditional food in D’Place Kinabalu!

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Backpacking to Sabah Borneo?

Here’s How To Save Money…

05

September, 2017

“Backpacking is the art of knowing what not to take.”

– Sheridan Anderson

Travelling to Sabah Borneo is an amazing chance for you to get wild and full of adventure into the unknown. The best thing of it is, you can spot the Orangutan which can only be found in the Borneo rainforest. Unfortunately, traveling to Sabah Borneo can be very expensive compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. However, with a proper planning and a little bit of know-how, you can feel that it is easy to cut down the cost while traveling to Sabah Borneo.

Thus, the most entertaining, adventurous, and cheapest way to travel would be by backpacking. Here, we will give you some tips on how to save some of your money while traveling in Sabah Borneo.

Book flight ticket early / check public holidays in Sabah Borneo

Book your flight ticket about 2-3 months ahead; a low cost carrier can offer a cheap rate of ticket flight and it can be very cheap if you are lucky to book your flight ticket during their promo offers. Apart from that, you need to check the public holidays in Sabah Borneo, as travelling during the public holidays in Sabah Borneo may cost more than usual.

Never go for solo trip

If you are planning to venture deeper into Borneo, you will need guidance from an experienced travel agency who specializes in what you’re looking for. If you are a solo traveler, it will be slightly higher than average compared to traveling in twos or in groups. So, do consider traveling with more people for a more value for money experience.

Stay in a traveler’s lodge/ backpackers

There are many traveler’s lodge/backpackers you can find especially in the Kota Kinabalu City Center – capital city of Sabah Borneo. By staying in the city center, you can just easily go around to some places in the city by foot, plus, it’s easier to ask around if you get lost. Check out Fat Rhino Hostel for a cheaper rate of accommodations in Kota Kinabalu city.

Bring your own medicine or first aid kit

Consider taking the anti-malaria tablet before coming to Sabah Borneo. Apart from that, other medicines such as Charcoal or Imodium for diarrhea relief and vitamins should be brought before coming to Sabah Borneo. By doing this, it can help you to save some money for medical treatment purposes.

Consider eating in local coffee shops

Eating like a local is always the best when you get the chance to taste out the delicious food from the local coffee shops. Avoid eating out at fancy restaurants every day to save some of your travel expenses. Don’t be scared to eat street food or local shops, because it is actually often the cheapest and best way to eat what locals normally eat, and you would not have a single issue from it health-wise ( unless if you can see the stall are not kept clean that well, then go find different stalls; common sense peepz! ).

Awe-Inspiring Photos Makes You Wanna Book A Trip To Kudat Sabah Borneo!

04

September, 2017

“Kopivosian doh Kinorikataan Di Kouu”

Is “Welcome” in Rungus language, one of the major indigenous group in Sabah Borneo. The Rungus residing primarily in northern Sabah, which is Kudat, about 3 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu city. Kudat has been known to all to be the most beautiful spots in Sabah, and all the beauty is done by the nature itself. One of the famous landmarks in Kudat will be the Tip of Borneo, used to be a watch-point for pirate invasion hundreds years ago. Tip of Borneo has the best spots to see breathtaking scenery view especially the sunsets.

Here are some awe-inspiring photos in Kudat which eventually will capture your attention to visit Kudat in your Sabah Borneo Holidays:

Tip Of Borneo

Tip of Borneo or Tanjung Simpang Mengayau means “lingering junction” as this is where the South China Sea lingers and meets the Sulu Seas flowing from the east. It is one of the famous landmark for tourist attraction. Experience the breezy wind while catch on the breathtaking views of the rocky outcrop that lace the shoreline.

Sunset

Watching sunset from the Tip Of Borneo is a MUST when you are in Kudat and trust me, you won’t be disappointed by the stunning view of the sunsets.

Kelampunian Beach

When you are on your way to reach the Tip of Borneo, your might stare mouth agape at your first sight of the beach which stretches over 4km to the tip of Borneo.You can see the crystal-clear of the sea with the waves of South China Sea driven against the shore by the wind. A good place for you to stay away from the busy life of the city and chilling by the beach.

By looking at those pictures, does it trigger you to go for a holiday in Kudat Sabah Borneo? Then check out our 3D2N Kudat tour and book your tour with us now! See you soon! 🙂

Going Cho-Choo With The North Borneo Railway!

04

September, 2017

North Borneo Railway Old and New

When it comes to Classic Trains, Sabah Borneo has one of the oldest running steam locomotive that will take you back to the nostalgic bygone era and it is called the North Borneo Railway. Anyone who is planning to visit Sabah Borneo should mark this one on your list of things to do in Sabah Borneo.

Here’s a brief history of the steam locomotive services in Borneo, the history of the North Borneo Railway begins in 1880, when the British North Borneo Chartered Company obtained a large plot of land from the Sultan Of Brunei and the Sulu Sultanate. Tobacco was a big thing in 1880 to 1890 in Borneo. So the need for an efficient transportation to transport the goods is needed. Back in the days, the local planters travel to towns to sell their crops either by foot or animals but it usually takes a very long time as some of their farms are deep inside the tropical jungle areas, so it will take longer and more difficult to reach into town.

The British North Borneo Company soon began the ambitious railway project to link the East and West Borneo through the dense jungle, mountains, rivers, and swamplands. The cost of clearing the path was very costly even the rich British North Borneo company was having troubles with it as they were building the rail from Beaufort to Tenom, and Melalap, and the other one from Beaufort to Jesselton (now known as Kota Kinabalu).

An old North Borneo Railway

The British soon faced a lot of problems maintaining the railway as it was constantly damaged by fallen trees and also the locals who look upon the locomotive as a man-made machine with evil spirits that disturbs the peaceful environment of the jungle surroundings. Soon, rubber became an important source of income as it was high on demand during the World War l for making car tires. After rubber, timber also became one of the most important things and the timber industry also benefited from the railroad.

One of the important transportation during the 1880-1900 in Borneo to transport raw materials from town to town around Borneo

Ater 30 years, the Steam Powered Locomotive is replaced by petrol and diesel locomotive. The Steam Locomotive was later repaired and refurbished to a fully functioning state by the Sutera Harbour Resort together with the Sabah Tourism Association to be used as a train for tourism activities. The original Vulcan 15 Steam Locomotive that was built by the Lancashire-Based Vulcan Foundry in the United Kingdom was first brought over to Borneo by the Colonial-Administered North Borneo in 1954. And it was later decommissioned for general use around the early 1970’s by the Sabah State Railway Department. It is also the only functioning World Burning Steam Powered Locomotive in Sabah until today.

The petrol and diesel locomotive that was used in the late 1950’s in Borneo to replace the steam powered locomotive

Today, tourist can once again experience this unique experience of boarding into a vintage style British North Borneo Era train. The train has six carriage that can accommodate up to 36 people and the carriage has a classic colonial-era bar style with an observation deck. Both the interior and exterior are fully refurbished to provide the environment of the typical train of 1900.

The exterior of the train is painted in traditional deep green and cream that was originally used by the North Borneo Railways trains. It also has the original carved brass logo of the North Borneo Railway on the train. The carved logo is a tiger holding a rail wheel standing on a royal crown. The interior is built based on a Victorian-Era setting with a little mix of local Sabahan woods to give that vintage and local touch to the train. It also has fully functioning unisex washrooms on every carriage and the windows will remain to be opened at all time for maximum comfort to all the passengers. A British Pullman carriage is used as a functional kitchen car as well as a powerful generator which provides all electricity requirements.

The Traditional Deep Green and Cream colour that gives the train a more vintage look.

The side view of this vintage steam powered beauty. Its an old Locomotive but it still runs like a champ even to this day.

The carriage of the North Borneo Railway train.

Today, tourist can once again experience this unique experience of boarding into a vintage style British North Borneo Era train. The train has six carriage that can accommodate up to 36 people and the carriage has a classic colonial-era bar style with an observation deck. Both the interior and exterior are fully refurbished to provide the environment of the typical train of 1900.

The exterior of the train is painted in traditional deep green and cream that was originally used by the North Borneo Railways trains. It also has the original carved brass logo of the North Borneo Railway on the train. The carved logo is a tiger holding a rail wheel standing on a royal crown. The interior is built based on a Victorian-Era setting with a little mix of local Sabahan woods to give that vintage and local touch to the train. It also has fully functioning unisex washrooms on every carriage and the windows will remain to be opened at all time for maximum comfort to all the passengers. A British Pullman carriage is used as a functional kitchen car as well as a powerful generator which provides all electricity requirements.

The vintage style interiors of the train that will take you back to the 1900’s. Even the waiter and waitress is well dressed in a British North Borneo style outfit to give you that additional experience of riding in a vintage steam locomotive

The routes of this train usually start from Tanjung Aru that is not far from Kota Kinabalu city, up to the Papar district, and you can choose to go up to Beaufort or Tenom from Tanjung Aru. The train ride will transport you back to the days of the North Borneo Chartered Company and the British Colonial Office, when the colonials came down to Borneo from England to become planters and plantation owners, cutting into the wilds of the unexplored jungles in search of adventures and riches beyond their wildest imaginations.

Passengers on the North Borneo Railway can also have that similar experience of exploring and seeing parts of Sabah that is very different from any other touristy tourist spots. Along the way, the railway line is just beside by the mighty Crocker Range which is also near to the Mount Kinabalu. Passengers can see how the indigenous people of Sabah still live and also the flora and fauna along the journey, buffaloes taking a dip in mud pools, small rustic towns, water villages, rivers, paddy fields and so much more to see that will keep you wide awake and excited throughout the journey.

Kinarut town, one of the small towns that you will be visiting along the journey. You will get to see the old buildings in the town and also the local people selling their freshly picked crops.

Passengers of the North Borneo Railway will be treated with some of the unique and interesting views of Sabah. For your breakfast, you will be treated with an assortments of Malaysian Desserts or Kuih Muih together with the famous Kopi Tenom or Sabah Tea.

But the most unique thing about the foods in the North Borneo Railway is the lunch. On your way back you will be served with a ‘Tiffin-Style” lunch sets. A typical railway of the olden days.

Instead of plates, your meal will be served in a metal Tiffin Box that’ll give you that unique experience from your everyday meals

Your lunch is basically a variety of local Sabahan foods. An exotic blend of the Asian and Continental Cuisine that’ll keep your stomach full throughout the journey back to the main station

If you are planning to visit Sabah Borneo, make sure to put the North Borneo Railway on your list. An experience you won’t get anywhere else and not be missed in Borneo. Take a step back to 1900 with this train and see Sabah in a different kind of way, I’m sure it’ll be way different from any other experience that other people will get in Sabah. Choooooo Chooooooo……

A walk into the History &

Culture of Sabah, Borneo

01

September, 2017

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“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey

Your holiday destination to Sabah, Borneo, will never be completed without going to the Sabah State Museum in Kota Kinabalu city, Sabah, Borneo. Get the insight of the history and culture in Sabah, Borneo. Moreover, it is a good place for you to spend with your family and friends for a day trip in your Sabah Borneo Holidays.

The Sabah State Museum is about 5-10 minutes away from the city, and it is located on top of a hill, opposite the Queen Elizabeth Hospital; the museum is clearly visible to all motorists on the road below. The Sabah State Museum is easily accessible from the main road, which you can reach there via public buses, Uber/Grab car, or taxi.

Sabah State Museum’s main building was built in 1984. Its architectural design was inspired by one of the Sabah Borneo’s indigenous tribe;- Rungus and Murut longhouses. The design of the museum is so unique that it attracts many visitors to experience the fun and educational walk into the history of Sabah Borneo.

A giant size replica of “Wakid” is the bamboo basket which originates from districts of Ranau and Tambunan in Sabah Borneo – Traditionally used by Dusun people to carry fruits, firewood, vegetables and paddy stalks

Brochure and map as your guide to the Sabah State Museum and the background are the skeletons of the giant 68-feet Bryde’s whale, which was found in Gaya Island Bay in 2006

Last Sunday, I got the opportunity to go back there again after 10 years, but this time, I bring along my little siblings and cousins to the museum. Well, I figured all kids should have to visit the Sabah State Museum one day or another so they will have something to learn about Sabah’s heritage and culture. I was worried that the kids might not enjoy the tour, but how can it be not fun? I expected the trip will last about 1 hour or less, but we ended up being there for more than 4 hours!

Although the museum is small, it contains plenty of historical artifacts ( such as totems statues, weapons, blowpipes, skulls, traditional costume, etc), documentation and photographs, which displays the history of Sabah in the indoor exhibition. Before going into the indoor exhibition, the kids were amazed to see the skeleton of the giant 68-feet Bryde’s whale;- found stranded and eventually died on a shallow reef at the Gaya Bay on 2006.

A collection of old cars were exhibit outside the museum

Crossing the suspension bridges to reach the heritage village

The kids were enjoying their trip to the museum, especially the outdoor museum, with a lot of walking and hiking around the museum area, checking out the vintage cars, visiting the replicas of old traditional houses at the Heritage Village, facing their fear to walk on the suspension bridge, admiring the water lilies in a pond, hopping on the railway trains, etc.

Re-visiting the Sabah State Museum certainly brought me closer to understanding my culture and the history of my home-state. This is definitely recommended for locals and also non-locals to drop-by to the museum as it is really interesting and educational.

The kids were enjoying their trip to the museum, especially the outdoor museum, with a lot of walking and hiking around the museum area, checking out the vintage cars, visiting the replicas of old traditional houses at the Heritage Village, facing their fear to walk on the suspension bridge, admiring the water lilies in a pond, hopping on the railway trains, etc.

Re-visiting the Sabah State Museum certainly brought me closer to understanding my culture and the history of my home-state. This is definitely recommended for locals and also non-locals to drop-by to the museum as it is really interesting and educational.

If you have no idea what to do for a day in Kota Kinabalu city, you can just visit the Sabah State Museum or you can read our choices of Top 5 day trips to do in Sabah Borneo. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For other cultural activity in Sabah Borneo, you can read our Mari-Mari Cultura Village Day trip tour.

Discover Kota Kinabalu City in your Borneo Holidays!

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